BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has said authorities recently uncovered irregularities in Thailand’s fuel transport and distribution system and have ordered faster legal action against those violating energy laws. The premier said investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals and groups involved.
Officials found cases in which large fuel depots refused to release fuel to service stations, along with suspicious transport outside designated routes linked to hoarding. Authorities are also examining possible illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfers at sea, with inquiries being expanded as more evidence is gathered.
Authorities also identified discrepancies in fuel volume data between regulatory agencies, including the Marine Department and the Department of Energy Business, when compared with excise tax records. Further verification will be conducted using vessel traffic data from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center, along with checks on overland transport to neighboring countries.
Anutin said such actions may amount to excessive profiteering during a global energy crisis and have added pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund, which has recorded losses exceeding 50 billion baht. The prime minister said offenders will face strict legal action regardless of status, with the Department of Special Investigation assigned to handle the case as a special investigation. (NNT)
